The College of Medicine has long since been supportive of the idea that pupils should have access to a qualified nurse while at school. Now, an official petition has been launched by the School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA), and we’re encouraging you to sign it!
SAPHNA says it has become deeply concerned about the worsening of children’s health outcomes in the UK, including increases in the prevalence of mental problems, dental decay, obesity and respiratory problems.
A statement accompanying the petition says children in the most deprived areas are facing the worst of these health crises, and that it coincides with a marked 35% decrease in the number of school nurses since 2009.
The statement reads: ‘School nurses make a central contribution to the health and wellbeing of children and young people, helping them build firm foundations on which to progress to healthy adulthoods. As specialist public health nurses, school nurses have a key role in promoting health, preventing ill health, and providing early intervention for school aged children.
‘SAPHNA firmly believes every school-aged child and young person should have access to a qualified school nurse. Therefore, we call for the Government to fund a school nurse in every school who leads the Healthy Child Programme 0-19. This would ensure each child has access to health promotion, early identification, and early intervention services, promoting their health, reducing inequalities, and elevating overall wellbeing.
‘A school nurse in every school is not just a preventive measure, it’s an essential investment in the future wellbeing of our children. We strongly urge parents, carers, children and young people, and professional stakeholders to support this initiative, sign this petition. Together, we can stem the tide of worsening child health outcomes in the UK.’
You can sign via the link below, or simply scan the QR code on your phone
SIGN SAPHNA’S PETITION FOR A SCHOOL NURSE IN EVERY SCHOOL HERE
